Schenectady in Schenectady County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Member, New York State Assembly

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 1, 2026

1. Member, New York State Assembly Marker

Inscription. Dr. Gillette had a keen interest in politics and, at the encouragement of Mayor George Lunn, she ran for the State Assembly in 1919, winning the seat to represent Schenectady District 2. She was the first upstate women to hold office in the state legislature. During her one-year term she worked on legislation for drug safety and for medical examinations of children employed in factories.

She maintained her medical practice while simultaneously helping to secure funding for bridge and canal construction and the building of a well and pumping station. Although she lost her bid for re-election in 1920, she remained active in politics.

She always encouraged women to participate in politics, and in 1957 she advised: "Vote in every election, go to every political meeting possible. Learn all you can about political affairs-and always be a lady." She practiced what she preached.

Erected 2026.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 42° 48.972′ N, 73° 56.542′ W. Marker

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is in Schenectady, New York, in Schenectady County. It is at the intersection of Union Street and Erie boulevard, on the left when traveling west on Union Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 252 Union St, Schenectady NY 12305, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

in the Capital District,

and in the Albany Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Elizabeth Van Rensselaer Gillette, MD (here, next to this marker); Founder, Schenectady Humane Society (here, next to this marker); West College (a few steps from this marker); Stockade Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); The “Original” Erie Canal (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Military Barracks / Folkie A. and Jane H. Ryley House

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 1, 2026

2. Member, New York State Assembly Marker

This is the right plaque.

Dr. Gillette's former residence is the gray building in the background

(about 800 feet away); Thomas Edison Arrived at Schenectady (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Miller and Sons Boarding House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schenectady.

More about this marker. This one of 3 plaques at this site commemorating Dr. Gillette.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Elizabeth Gillette. (Submitted on July 4, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2026, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.